Effects of mycorrhizal association and phosphate fertilization on the initial growth of coffee plants

ABSTRACT In the establishment of coffee crops, phosphate fertilization is one of the most important soil fertility managements. Aiming to minimize losses, among the options in use are fertilizers with a slow release of nutrients, combined with the inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). This study aimed to evaluate the initial growth of coffee plants inoculated with AMF and submitted to different types of phosphate fertilizers. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, using a complete randomized block design, in a 2 x 4 factorial scheme, with four replications. The first factor referred to the presence or absence of AMF (Rhizophagus clarus) and the second one to phosphate [monoammonium phosphate (MAP)], pelletized organomineral and grainy organomineral fertilizers, as well as a control (without fertilization). The plant height, leaf chlorophyll content, number of plagiotropic branches, leaf area, shoot and root dry matter mass, percentage of root colonization and leaf phosphorus were evaluated. The inoculation with AMF, associated with the pelletized organomineral fertilizer, provided a higher growth for the shoot and root system and higher phosphorus contents, in relation to the other treatments, and it can be an alternative to the implantation or renewal of coffee crops.